Drug Therapy for Nasal Congestion and Cough

Flashcards covering drug therapy for nasal congestion and cough based on lecture notes, focusing on vocabulary terms and their definitions.

Common Cold

A viral infection that invades mucous membranes, with school-age children typically experiencing up to 10 occurrences per year and adults 2-4.

Sinusitis

Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, most commonly caused by rhinitis.

Nasal Congestion

A common symptom of respiratory disorders, characterized by blocked or stuffy nasal passages.

Productive Cough

A cough that brings up mucus or phlegm.

Nonproductive Cough

A dry, hacking cough that does not produce mucus or phlegm.

Cold Remedies (Combination Products)

Medications that often contain antihistamines, nasal decongestants, and analgesics, with some including antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

Drugs available for purchase without a prescription.

Antivirals

Medications used to treat viral infections.

Nasal Decongestants

Medications that release norepinephrine, causing vasoconstriction to shrink nasal mucosa and relieve congestion.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels, a key action of nasal decongestants that reduces blood flow and shrinks nasal mucosa.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter whose release is stimulated by nasal decongestants, leading to vasoconstriction.

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

An adrenergic (sympathomimetic) nasal decongestant with restricted use due to its illicit manufacturing into amphetamine.

Oxymetazoline (Afrin)

A topical nasal decongestant nasal spray that acts directly on alpha receptors to produce vasoconstriction, often used for short-term relief.

Restricted Use of Pseudoephedrine

Imposed due to its potential for illicit manufacturing of amphetamine.

Adrenergic (Sympathomimetic) Drug

A classification of pseudoephedrine, meaning it mimics the effects of the sympathetic nervous system.

Rebound Nasal Congestion

A condition that may occur if topical decongestants like oxymetazoline are used longer than recommended (e.g., more than 3 days) or in excessive amounts.

Severe HTN (Hypertension)

A contraindication for the use of nasal decongestants.

CAD (Coronary Artery Disease)

A contraindication for the use of nasal decongestants.

Narrow-Angle Glaucoma

A contraindication for the use of nasal decongestants.

MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)

A class of medications that are contraindicated with nasal decongestants and can interact with antitussives.

Cardiac Dysrhythmia

A condition for which nasal decongestants should be used with caution.

Hyperthyroidism

A condition for which nasal decongestants should be used with caution.

DM (Diabetes Mellitus)

A condition for which nasal decongestants should be used with caution.

BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)

A condition for which nasal decongestants should be used with caution.

Insomnia (from decongestants)

An adverse effect of pseudoephedrine, recommending it be taken at least 2 hours before bedtime.

Tachycardia

An adverse effect associated with decongestants, characterized by an abnormally rapid heart rate.

Palpitations

An adverse effect associated with decongestants, characterized by a noticeably rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat.

Anxiety

An adverse effect associated with decongestants.

Excitability

An adverse effect associated with decongestants.

Nervousness

An adverse effect associated with decongestants.

Dizziness

An adverse effect associated with decongestants and many other respiratory medications.

Drowsiness

An adverse effect associated with some decongestants and non-opioid antitussives.

Cough Suppressant/Antitussive

Medications that suppress a dry, hacking, nonproductive cough that interferes with rest and sleep.

Dextromethorphan (Delsym/Robitussin)

A non-narcotic, centrally acting antitussive that depresses the cough center in the brain, often abused for recreational purposes at high doses.

Centrally Acting Antitussive

A type of antitussive that works by depressing the cough center in the brain.

Non-Narcotic Antitussive

Cough suppressants like Dextromethorphan and Benzonatate, which do not contain opioids.

Serotonin Syndrome

A potential adverse effect that can occur when dextromethorphan is used with MAOIs, characterized by nausea, confusion, and changes in BP.

Hallucinations (from Dextromethorphan)

An adverse effect that can occur with doses of dextromethorphan exceeding recommendations.

Dissociation (from Dextromethorphan)

An adverse effect that can occur with doses of dextromethorphan exceeding recommendations.

Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)

A non-narcotic, peripherally acting antitussive that anesthetizes stretch receptors in respiratory passages, requiring a prescription.

Peripherally Acting Antitussive

A type of antitussive that anesthetizes stretch receptors in the respiratory passages to decrease coughing.

Hydrocodone

A narcotic, centrally acting antitussive that is highly addictive and carries a risk of respiratory depression.

Codeine

A narcotic, centrally acting antitussive that is converted to morphine in the body, carrying a high potential for respiratory depression and death, especially in children with breathing problems.

Respiratory Depression (from Opioids)

A severe adverse effect of narcotic antitussives, particularly codeine, involving decreased breathing rate and depth.

Constipation (from Opioids)

A common adverse effect of narcotic antitussives due to decreased peristalsis.

Pruritus

Itching, an adverse reaction associated with narcotic antitussives.

Drug Dependence

A significant risk associated with the use of narcotic antitussives due to their opioid content.

Expectorants

Medications that liquefy respiratory secretions, allowing for easier removal.

Guaifenesin (Mucinex)

A common expectorant that helps to liquefy respiratory secretions.

Mucolytics

Medications that liquefy mucus in the respiratory tract and are often administered by inhalation.

Acetylcysteine (Acedote)

A mucolytic administered by inhalation to liquefy mucus, also used as an antidote for acetaminophen overdose.

Antidote for Acetaminophen O.D.

Acetylcysteine's specific use in treating overdose of acetaminophen.

Unpleasant Odor (related to Acetylcysteine)

A common characteristic of acetylcysteine, often described as rotten eggs.

Aspiration (from Mucolytics)

A potential adverse effect of mucolytics, leading to the recommendation to stop medication if it occurs.

Bronchospasms (from Mucolytics)

A potential adverse effect of mucolytics, leading to the recommendation to stop medication if it occurs.

Increased Fluid Intake

A common patient teaching point for expectorants and mucolytics to help liquefy secretions.

Smoking Cessation

A recommended intervention to improve respiratory health and optimize the effectiveness of respiratory medications.

Nursing Assessment

The process of gathering information about a patient, including indication for use, risk factors, medical history, and potential contraindications.

Patient Teaching

Essential nursing intervention involving educating patients on medication use, fluid intake, potential interactions, and adverse effects.

Therapeutic Effects

The desired outcomes of medication administration that nurses evaluate for, such as decreased nasal inflammation or cough.

Locally acting antitussives

Includes throat lozenges and cough drops.